Additionally, Media Connection has agreed to sponsor the photo booth this year. "It is one of the enduring attractions, with queues of wannabee media stars lining up showing their best side and creating memories," says Sandra Gordon, founder of the awards. Gordon says that she is 'delighted' that Alphabet Soup is participating with their sponsorship of the Whiskey and cigar lounge.

"The Most Awards is a crucial event for both media owners and agencies in the South African media industry," says Gabriella Abrahams, media planner and buyer for Alphabet Soup.

"It allows the industry to benchmark the service levels of both media agency and media owners. These awards are a way to enhance the relationship between all parties and ensure we continue to improve the industry as a whole. It provides all parties with the insights to improve on the various pillars that they are judged on," Abrahams adds.

"For the 2019 Most Awards, Alphabet Soup has come on board to be the sponsor of the Whiskey and cigar lounge as an alternative space. Our aim is that we wanted to implement tactical sponsorship. Alphabet Soup tasked the Most Awards team to suggest options that would stand out and the whiskey and cigar lounge concept resonated well with us," she says.

"We will create a space that is chilled, while remaining inviting and sophisticated. The Whiskey and cigar lounge is a perfect choice. We look forward to interacting with colleagues and partners at this year's event," Abrahams adds.

Heart FM joint sponsors of the Full Service Media Agency Award

The Full Service Media Agency Award is given to an agency that provides a full spectrum of services, from strategy and planning to buying. The winning agency achieves the highest average rating across six criteria, including knowledge of client brands and the media landscape, plus service delivery.

Shireen Robinson, head of sales at Heart FM, says, "As a 'niche' station, we believe [that] we are truly representative of our diverse and vibrant community that is Cape Town. We are reflective of our audience; we speak to and understand them intimately." 

"Our main challenge is that niche audiences are often misunderstood and key decision-makers often turn a blind eye to an audience [that] they don't understand. There needs to be a shift in mindset and advertisers need to bear in mind that media is consumed differently by different audiences. Working with agencies and creative teams that understand how to mobilise our audience always delivers impactful campaigns; it's a win-win," Robinson adds. 

Heart FM are joint sponsors of the award with KZN based radio station Gagasi FM.

OMD sponsors the Lamb Award

The Lamb Award aims to celebrate media owners and agencies that have not acquired the necessary 30 qualifying votes for the overall MOST Awards, but have achieved between 25 and 29 votes and are highly rated for outstanding performance across the set criteria. The award was introduced in 2012.

"The Media Owner Lamb Award recognises the exceptional work and partnership that every single one of our media suppliers offers us," says Marco Santos, MD of OMD.

"This prestigious award profiles legends within the industry and acknowledges their contributions across all the facets of the business. Our media partners are a direct extension of our business and we thank them all for their support and contribution," Santos concludes.

The 2019 MOST Awards will take place on Tuesday, 10 September, at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. Tickets are now on sale at R 700 per person, including VAT.

You can download your ticket application and submit your completed form online. 

For more information, visit www.wagthedog.co.za.